The joint military force deployed to protect oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta on Friday, April 22, reaffirmed its resolve to crackdown on vandals and economic saboteurs.
According to the spokesman for the Special Force, Col. Isa Ado, the military is poised to deal with a reported threat by vandals to resume attacks on oil facilities.
The Force, dubbed ‘Operation Pulo Shield’ said it would ensure the arrest of oil vandals and their accomplices for prosecution.
“Anybody or group masquerading as militants are criminals and will be resisted and crushed in line with the mandate of the joint force in the Niger Delta,” the statement said.
“The Federal Government granted amnesty to repentant agitators and the grant automatically ends militancy and agitation in the region. Any group or persons by whatever guise will be treated like common criminals.
“The force had carried out aggressive patrols and surveillances within the waterways and the creeks which led to the arrest of suspects, arms and ammunition, illegal oil bunkering vessels and barges.
“Those arrested are at various stages of prosecution in courts of competent jurisdiction.”
It warned vandals that threatened to attack facilities to have a re-think and desist from crossing the path of Operation Pulo Shield or be ready to face the consequences of their action.